Heart on the Line by Karen Witmeyer is part of the Ladies of Harper’s Station series. Although it would give some background on many of the characters, it is not necessary to have read previous books in the series to enjoy this story. This historical novel takes place in the late 1890s.
The main premise of the story involves murder and inheritance forgery, but the sweetness lies in the relationships of the characters. Grace Mallory the female protagonist lives in a town of mostly women. She has close friends who love and protect her. Their trust in her judgement is very inspiring.
Grace has formed a relationship through the telegraph wire with a man she has never met. When the man, whose name is Amos Bledsoe, shows up to make sure she is okay, their relationship begins to blossom. This relationship is sweet and heartwarming especially for those who might term themselves hopeless romantics.
There are several subplots that make this story interesting, and it is not merely a romance novel. The story includes murders and other dangerous events to keep readers on their toes. Much of the plot surrounding these murders is predictable, but romantics will enjoy the development of relationships.
This book was sent to Compass Book Ratings for review by Bethany House Publishers
Content Analysis:
Profanity/Language: None
Violence/Gore: Multiple mentions of people being fatally shot and bleeding from the wounds; report of a woman’s purse strap being cut; recollection of an adult being struck by a parent when she was a child; report that a man physically abused his wife and it ultimately led to her death; report of a man falling off a horse and dying; report that a man drowned a puppy; a man grabs a woman and drags her away; a man strikes a woman; a woman is tied up; a man draws blood from another person with a knife.
Sex/Nudity: Non-married characters kiss, hold hands and embrace.
Mature Subject Matter:
Murder, death of a parent, domestic abuse.
Alcohol / Drug Use:
Report that an adult was drunk and fell off of a horse.
